🏗️ Detailed Notes
1️⃣ Introduction
Proper illumination in opencast metalliferous mines is essential for safe working, visibility, and accident prevention during both day and night operations. DGMS prescribes lighting standards under Regulation 146 of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 (MMR 1961) and through DGMS (Tech.) Circulars on illumination. These standards are framed based on the Indian Standard IS: 6665 – 1972 (Reaffirmed 2016) – “Code of Practice for Industrial Lighting.”
2️⃣ Importance of Illumination in Mines
- Prevents accidents due to poor visibility.
- Ensures safety in drilling, blasting, and loading operations.
- Enhances equipment operation efficiency.
- Helps in identification of hazards and movement of vehicles.
- Reduces eye strain and fatigue among workers.
3️⃣ DGMS Legal Framework
| Reference | Description |
|---|---|
| MMR 1961 – Regulation 146 | Requires adequate illumination in every working place, approach road, and haul road. |
| DGMS Circular (Tech.) 18 of 1975 | Specifies illumination standards and measurement procedures. |
| IS: 6665 – 1972 | Indian Standard Code of Practice for Industrial Lighting. |
| DGMS Circular (Tech.) 08 of 2002 | Specifies minimum illumination levels for opencast and underground mines. |
4️⃣ Standard Illumination Levels (as per DGMS & IS: 6665)
| Area / Operation | Minimum Illumination (Lux) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Working faces (Drilling/Loading) | 20 lux | Measured at ground level. |
| Haul roads (main approach) | 3–5 lux | Uniform illumination required. |
| Workshop & Maintenance sheds | 100 lux | Must have shadow-free light. |
| Crushing & Screening plant | 50 lux | Uniform light at operator level. |
| Conveyor belt areas | 20 lux | Minimum for safe operation. |
| Office & Control room | 150–300 lux | As per industrial standards. |
| Stairways & passages | 10 lux | To prevent slips and falls. |
| Weighbridge & parking area | 10 lux | For night operations. |
5️⃣ Lighting Arrangement in Opencast Mines
- High-mast or floodlights installed on poles at safe heights (8–12 m).
- Sodium vapour or LED lamps used for uniform spread.
- Lights positioned to avoid glare to operators and drivers.
- Separate lighting for haul roads, shovel benches, and dump yards.
- Periodic lux-level measurement using Lux Meter.
6️⃣ Measurement of Illumination
Instruments: Digital Lux Meter – calibrated as per BIS standards.
Method: Measurement taken at 1 m height from ground at different points. Average of 5–10 readings taken per area. Records maintained in the Illumination Logbook verified by the Manager and Electrical Engineer.
7️⃣ Factors Affecting Illumination
- Height and angle of lamps.
- Dust, fog, and rain reducing light intensity.
- Maintenance of lamps (cleaning reflectors).
- Type of lamp (LED vs sodium vapour).
- Voltage fluctuations.
8️⃣ DGMS Recommendations
- Use energy-efficient LED lamps.
- Ensure redundant lighting in critical areas.
- Keep emergency backup lighting at loading and crusher points.
- Maintain illumination survey records monthly.
- All new lighting plans must be approved by Manager & Electrical Engineer.
⚡ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)
- Illumination regulated under Reg. 146, MMR 1961.
- DGMS Circular 18/1975 prescribes lux standards.
- IS: 6665 – Code for Industrial Lighting.
- Working face – 20 lux minimum.
- Haul roads – 3–5 lux.
- Workshops – 100 lux.
- Lux meter used for measurement.
- Record kept in illumination logbook.
- LED lights preferred for energy efficiency.
- Illumination improves visibility and reduces accidents.
🧠 Descriptive Model Question & Answer
Q. Describe the standards of illumination to be maintained in opencast metalliferous mines and the procedure for measurement as per DGMS guidelines.
Answer:
In opencast metalliferous mines, proper illumination is essential for visibility, safety, and efficient operation during both day and night. According to Regulation 146 of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 and DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 18 of 1975, every mine must maintain minimum illumination standards as per IS: 6665 – 1972.
The minimum lux levels are: 20 lux at working faces, 3–5 lux at haul roads, 100 lux at workshops, and 50 lux at crushers and conveyors. Measurements are taken using a Lux Meter at 1 m height from ground, averaging several readings. Results are recorded in an Illumination Logbook, verified by the Manager and Electrical Engineer.
DGMS also recommends the use of LED floodlights, regular cleaning of fittings, and provision of emergency lights at critical areas. Proper illumination reduces accident risk, improves operator performance, and ensures compliance with statutory safety requirements.
🎯 25 MCQs – Standards of Illumination
Q1. Illumination in metalliferous mines is governed by:
Q2. DGMS Circular prescribing illumination standards:
Q3. Standard code for industrial lighting:
Q4. Minimum illumination at working face:
Q5. Minimum illumination on haul roads:
Q6. Illumination at workshops:
Q7. Unit of illumination:
Q8. Illumination measured using:
Q9. Measurement height for illumination:
Q10. Illumination records kept in:
Q11. Lux meter measures:
Q12. Poor illumination can cause:
Q13. Preferred lighting type:
Q14. Floodlight height generally:
Q15. Main advantage of LED lighting:
Q16. DGMS recommends illumination survey:
Q17. Illumination below standard leads to:
Q18. Lux value at crusher area:
Q19. Office illumination standard:
Q20. Reflector cleaning should be done:
Q21. Illumination affects:
Q22. Illumination at stairways:
Q23. Records verified by:
Q24. IS: 6665 standard reaffirmed in:
Q25. Adequate illumination ensures:
🔗 Internal Linking Suggestions
| Related Topic | Read More On... |
|---|---|
| Electrical Safety | Electrical Safety, Accident Investigation & Legal Framework |
| MMR 1961 Regulations | Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 - Chapter 1 |
| Mine Safety Culture | Building a Safety Culture in Mines |
| Mining Legislation | Mines Act, 1952 Simplified - Key Provisions |
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